Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses by Malka Older Series: The Investigations of Mossa & Pleiti #3
Published by Tor on June 10, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction Fantasy
Pages: 256
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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When a former classmate begs Pleiti for help on behalf of her cousin―who’s up for a prestigious academic position at a rival Jovian university but has been accused of plagiarism on the eve of her defense―Pleiti agrees to travel alongside her and investigate the matter.
Even if she has to do it without Mossa, her partner in more ways than one. Even if she’s still reeling from Mossa’s sudden isolation and bewildering rejection.
Yet what appears to be a case of an attempted reputational smearing devolves into something decidedly more dangerous―and possibly deadly.
I have really been enjoying the Mossa & Pleiti series with two women normally in an academic setting mystery. Mossa is an investigator who is good at her work, but very uncertain in social circumstance. I’d almost say she is autistic but Pleiti also has the hesitation about things in their relationship. Pleiti is an academic studying how things might be reintroduced on Earth to revive an ecosystem there. The setting is another planet.
The mystery in The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses is about an academic at a different location than Pleiti but one of her past school mates. The academic, Villette, has some interesting research and has just been offered a donship. Someone dislikes her and / or wants to harm her. Villette’s sister, Petanj, lives and works where Pleiti does but not the same department. She wants Pleiti to come with her to try to figure out her sister’s stalkers and maybe even bring Mossa.
The relationship is a key piece of the story. The women care about each other but seem afraid to express too much or commit. Pleiti asks Mossa to go with her but Mossa is in a state of melancholy which is probably why they haven’t seen each other in the past month, as well as they don’t live in the same place.
I enjoy the layers of story with the mystery and the relationship. The emotions seem very honest. I do wish they would just settle into their relationship a bit better instead of all the constant insecurity. Neither seems confident or completely supported which is sad because they do trust each other and care.
People seem to have work which is individually directed and on their own schedule as they go off and investigate as they want. I did find the wording contained many odd words, sometimes in different languages, which I don’t remember from the previous books. I had to look up several, which even looking up one word in a book is unusual for me. I enjoy these characters with clever minds who always come together to support each other and solve the case in the end.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-COYER
I read the first book in the series and liked it a lot, but the second didn’t even hit my radar, so I’m very behind. I’m glad this was good, but I think I would also have issues with the relationship back and forth. Awesome review!
Well they are quite short quick reads if you decide to pick up the previous and this one.
The mystery sounds well done. I have yet to try this author.
These are wonderful but I would start at the beginning. They are relatively short too.
I remember thinking this series sounded good when you reviewed an earlier book. I love sci-fi mysteries so I’ll definitely be on it eventually.
I think you’d enjoy it. They aren’t too long either. I like the space and the mystery parts. The romance is too up and down for me so far.
I haven’t come across this series yet but I like the sound of it. I’ll have to look for the first book.
It’s wonderful. You might really enjoy it if you like the space and technology along with your mystery.
This series does sound cute.
It’s also really clever.
Love the cover although I don’t know if this is my type of read. Great review!
I love the mysteries, the awkward relationship, and the scientific aspects like visiting Jupiter.
Right?! It’s… not quite tragic, exactly, but definitely sad that the two of them can’t just find a balance and trust in one another’s care. I was sad about how little we saw of Mossa in this one!
Exactly! I wish they would settle a bit. They don’t have to speed things up just be solid where they are in the relationship. Mossa is my favorite too.
I recall reading your review for the previous book and it captured my attention. Sounds like this one wasn’t as good, but still overall a good series.
I love this series. I just missed having Mossa in this book as much.